President Yoon criticizes article about '25 billion won profit from Bundang apartment': 'What does a dog's eyes see?'
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol rebuked a media report accusing him of profiting 2.5 billion won from a real estate transaction, arguing that it unfairly portrays him as a speculative investor.
In a recent social media post, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed his discontent with an article alleging he realized a profit of 2.5 billion won from selling an apartment in Bundang. Sharing the article, which he deemed malicious, Yoon questioned the intentions behind it, interpreting it as an attempt to label him a real estate speculator. He argued that such portrayals are excessive and unfair, asserting that while he acknowledges the media's right to free speech, this specific representation is damaging to his image.
Yoon also announced that he and his wife put their apartment in Bundang on the market at a price lower than the average listings in the area, interpreted as a move to demonstrate his commitment to a normalized housing market amidst rising public scrutiny of housing prices. He emphasized that the apartment holds significant sentimental value for him, having been purchased during the financial crisis of 1998 when he was struggling financially. Yoon described the home as a place imbued with memories rather than merely an investment or profit-generating asset, highlighting the emotional ties he has to it.
Furthermore, Yoon emphasized that his decision to sell was not motivated by financial gain, but rather by a desire to uphold his responsibilities as a public official and to set an example for others in dealing with real estate issues. He expressed frustration over the perception that every financial decision is primarily oriented towards profit, suggesting that it undermines the integrity and trust in public service. This incident exemplifies the ongoing debates in South Korea over real estate practices and the transparency expected from public figures.